Our lab is interested in
post-transcriptional regulation of mammalian gene expression, in particular,
on how a group of enzymes called endoribonucleases degrade mRNAs and influence
the overall biology of gene expression. In addition to understanding the
basic biochemical processes of mRNA degradation, we are also interested in
using these enzymes and their properties for the treatment of human diseases.
We have recently purified and characterized two endoribonucleases that are
capable of degrading c-myc mRNA in vitro. We have named these
enzymes, PAC-1 (polysome-associated c-mycCRD
endonuclease) and PAC-2. Current focuses of our lab include: (1) determining
the RNA sequence and structure requirements for cleavage by these enzymes, (2)
characterizing the interaction between these enzymes and CRD-BP, an
RNA-binding protein, (3) mapping the catalytic domain and studying protein
structure/function relationships, and (4) understanding the biological role of
these enzymes in cells and animals.

Education:

Ph.D., Molecular Cell Biology, Flinders
University, AUSTRALIA; 1992.

B.Sc. (Hons I),
Biochemistry/Physiology, University of New South Wales, AUSTRALIA; 1988.